MI 2 – Wanted: For Global Media Takeover

This seminar was well worth observing as I found the presentation was beneficial with a good range of guests present across the various fields of the media industry (including cinema, TV and radio) and provided informative and useful content in relation to entering the industry. I felt that there were too many themes trying to be executed at once to the point that it became confusing. They had the themes of an airport lounge, how to commit a crime as well as the overarching topic of entering the media industry all competing for front stage and seemed to distract from each other, losing focus from the real issue. The set was staged very professionally with appropriate lighting focused on the guests, although the screen behind them was a bit washed out making it harder to see the text onscreen. The modern couches and little coffee table in the middle of the guests, created the illusion of an airport lounge successfully with the lamps behind them (non-functional) adding to the overall ambience. The use of two presenters, on opposite ends of the stage, worked well as it helped to keep the seminar moving and allowed for a wider range of questioning covering information for both genders equally. They both asked questions that seemed to be relevant to the audience (including myself) and had an overall positive demeanour. The promotion for the event was rather lacking as I did not see many posters placed around the campus. Overall their presentation was very professional with almost none of the technical problems present of the previous groups. They seemed very relaxed and confident in their roles, an obvious sign of good preparation, and the audience turnout was great with most of the auditorium filled with people. I felt their presentation was a success and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

MI 2 – Reel Crimes

After attending the Reel Crimes seminar I discovered that the presentation was very informative giving a good understanding into working in the media industry overall and how to specifically get into film. The guests they invited were very insightful with multiple producers as well as an executive from Screen Australia. All the guests actively participated in the conversation and when relevant even questioned each other. This allowed for a comprehensive and varied response to the questions with each guest answering with what they believed was the correct answer rather than just a one-sided generic response. The audience was very attentive as the content was applicable to the future graduates rather than just amusing anecdotes. The seminar was presented in a professional manner with just a simple panel and chairs and a purple backdrop. The lighting was done well making it easy to see the guests but not washing out the screen behind them. The presenter acted in a professional manner in asking the right questions and being attentive to what the guests were saying. Their relaxed and comfortable attitude was a sign of good preparation and rehearsal.  One problem that was present was the sound quality which throughout the presentation had several issues including hissing thru the speakers as well as mics dropping out requiring guests to either have to switch microphones mid-seminar or not be heard. Posters and advertising were present however they were not placed very predominantly and I had to look for them, rather than the advertising grabbing my attention. Overall the seminar was professionally done but had enough small issues, primarily to do with the sound that prevented it from being a top quality production.

MI 2 – Femme Fatale

After observing the seminar on women in media (Femme Fatale) I felt since the information was only focused on females, it did not particularly provide any knowledge for the male members of the audience and therefore was of little relevance to me. I also felt that the questions they asked the guests, as well as the way in which the guests responded, placed too much emphasis on their specific experiences within the industry, rather than information that was useful to potential job seekers on how to enter and establish a successful career in the media industry. The format they used was professional but still flexible with both video clips and quiz games present which helped to engage my attention even though the topic was not of great interest to me. Although this was very entertaining, they did not add any face-value to their seminar. Their staging was outstanding with low lighting and music used to create a film noir atmosphere while still ensuring that the screen and guests could be clearly seen and heard respectively. The presenter was engaging well with the audience acting in a friendly manner and being proactive towards the guests. It was an interesting touch having a male presenter for the event seeing as the event focused on women in the industry and had an all-female panel. This added a much needed male perspective and helped to create a dynamic atmosphere. The event was well publicised and drew in a good viewing crowd. Posters were put up across the various campus buildings including a series of posters within building 5 itself leading from the entrance of the building, up the stairs, across the hallway to the entrance of the room in order to direct people to the specific location. Overall the presentation was conducted very well, sticking perfectly to the theme however the content could have been more male inclusive.

Week 6 in Media Industries 2 (The Week of the Seminar)

On the Friday before the seminar:

On the day of the event I arrived at 9am to pick up the props (Couches, bookcases, mats, coffee tables, chairs, cushions) and bring them from the TV studio to the room of the seminar in Building 5. I then helped set up the area including the stage set, lighting and cameras. We also tested the equipment to ensure everything worked.

On the Friday after the seminar:

We cleaned up the room and proceeded to return the props to the TV studio. After returning everything both Jason and I went to the editing booths and collected the footage off of the cameras and put it on to the computers ready for him to edit.

Seminar Sum-up:

Beyond class I tried to improve my skills by watching TV sitcoms to get a feel for how a living room stage is set up and how they lay out the couches so the audience can see the guests. I attended all classes and all meetings except when it was impractical because I had another class at the same time. I contributed to the discussion in the meetings offering suggestions and ideas when relevant.

The seminars series has helped me to have a greater knowledge of the industry and allowed me to determine which area of TV I would like to enter, and how I can achieve that outcome. It has also taught me the amount of work and planning that goes into organising an event, not just for the event itself but being prepared for any problems that might arise. Overall I felt I worked well as I was interacting with the group and relaying information and any concerns that I had about the event and its smooth running. I hope that the skills that I learned from this event including how the media industry works, planning an event and working to achieve a common outcome will be of benefit in my future career.

Week 3 in Media Industries 2

For our seminar we decided on a Breaking Bad inspired theme for the event; Breaking In.  We also planned out what equipment we needed to borrow for the event and how we are going to organise the room on the day including what set pieces and props we require as well as the questions for the guests. Jason and I also went to book the camera equipment including lighting and tripods for the day of the event.

IM 2 Lecture Week 3: We Are Legion – The Story of the Hacktivists

How does this documentary alter your understanding of the Internet?

This altered my understanding of the Internet in that I am now aware that terrorism is not only restricted to real life but is also prevalent on the internet. Also although the internet is seen as an open forum, there are many restrictions in place and other users can influence and alter your perception on certain issues.

 

How is social media used to create a community of people who share a similar interest and politics?

Social media allows people, regardless of location, to get together and communicate a message of any nature. This therefore eliminates many of the restrictions involved in face-to-face communication such as age and race requiring people only have access to the internet to participate.

 

What ideas does this documentary raise in regards to designing an event that asks people to participate and become part of a community?

This documentary presents the idea of community in that people like to be involved in something greater than themselves. It also raises the point of openness and how everyone is welcome to attended and be a part of the overall goal. They do not dictate how this goal is to be achieved but rather what they want to achieve.

IM 2 Lecture 2 – Week 2: 4 Corners documentary ‘Generation Like’

How does this documentary alter your understanding of the way you use social media?

This altered my understanding in the way I use social media in that it has shown me how companies use social media to manipulate consumers by meticulously planning what they post onto the online world. It has also made me aware of what I post onto social media and how companies can use this data.

 

What connections can you make with the role of a Social Media Producer?

The connections that I made with the role of a Social Media Producer are they control and shape the audience perception of a particular subject by what they present to the online public. The same as with my personal Facebook page where I choose what to put online in order to give myself a certain persona.

 

What ideas does this documentary raise in regards to the event your group is planning and the task of achieving participatory engagement?

It has made me realise that the key is to have a gimmick that is un-expected but not necessarily original and communicating with your attended audience actively rather than passively. Additionally it showed the need for constant exposure to keep the audience interested.